Spain Coronavirus Cases, Deaths Steady Near Pre-Confinement Levels

(Bloomberg) --

Spain's new coronavirus deaths and infections remained steady near pre-lockdown levels as the country gradually begins returning to normal after weeks of confinement.

The number of fatalities rose by to 185 in the 24 hours through Tuesday, compared to Monday's gain of 164, according to Health Ministry data. Infections rose by 867 to 219,329 after the previous day's increase of 356. The total number of cases was adjusted to reflect changes in data for the Madrid region.

Some shops, including hairdressers and cobblers, began opening up this week, as the government moves ahead with a four-phase plan to end the confinement that started March 14 and has brought the economy to a near-standstill.

As part of efforts to restore a semblance of normal life and reignite the economy, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will ask parliament Wednesday for permission to extend a state of emergency for another two weeks beyond May 9. The government says it's necessary even as the pandemic eases because it gives officials in Madrid special powers over the national health service.

So far, the main opposition party has backed Sanchez, who lacks a parliamentary majority. But the party's leader said Monday that he may not maintain his support, hinting at an abstention that would allow Sanchez to extend the emergency but strip him of some political legitimacy.

The plight of the economy was again underscored Tuesday, with data showing jobless claims surged for a second consecutive month in April, posting the biggest increase on record for the month.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.